No gym? No problem.

Before I lived in NYC, I paid $30 a month for a very decent gym. But after my move to the big city, my gym membership fees – along with the cost of rent, a glass of wine, and a cheeseburger – skyrocketed. Now I’m shelling out $95 each month so I can squeeze in a little cardio. And at the end of each month, when my account is drained, I wonder about ways I can keep in shape on the cheap.

High prices aren’t the only reason to forgo a gym membership. Some of us are too busy to fit it in; others don’t like sharing treadmills or pouring sweat around strangers; others just struggle with commitment. Regardless, it’s important we stay active in our 20s. And though our energy may come in spurts (often hindered by working long hours or pulling all-nighters), and our daily “routines” don’t always fall in line, staying in shape can be simple – and cheap! If the gym isn’t for you, here are some other ways to keep moving.

1. Ride a bike. The upside: Riding your bike not only gets you where you want to go, it’s a great workout and a lot of fun. I ride whenever I have the chance, and if you’ve never gotten into the habit, it’s worth a try. Not to mention, it’s a greener way to get around. Try swapping out your car keys for a simpler set of wheels next time you’re out running errands.

The downside: Helmets are no fashion statement, and I’m a wimp in winter weather; during the colder months, my bicycle doesn’t see the light of day very often. In addition, if you don’t currently have one, buying a bike can put a dent in your funds. (If you’re not picky, you can find an old rickety ride for less than 100 bucks.) Also to keep in mind: if you’re new to biking, brace yourself for a bruised butt.

2. Play ball. A few pros: If you do a little digging, you’ll find that most cities and communities have sports leagues for folks of all levels of athletic prowess. Whatever you like to play – basketball, kickball, fencing – there is likely a league for you. Joining a team gives you a reason (and a schedule) to get out of the house and break a sweat. And you may make some new friends while you’re at it. But if there’s not an official league for your sport of choice, grab a group and start your own.

A few cons: While it varies from sport to sport, joining a league can get a little pricey. A friend of mine who plays soccer in NYC forks up $200 each season (for four seasons a year). Still, do the math: it’s cheaper than my gym membership. Other cons include a lack of variety and greater chance for injury.

3. It may not sound like much, but walk! Why: Experts say that if you can walk 30 minutes a day, you’re making your way towards a healthy lifestyle. Living vehicle-less in NYC, I walk more now than I ever imagined I would. While other cities aren’t as conducive to pedestrianism, it’s easy to get going. Programs such as 10,000 steps promote a walking lifestyle and suggest wearing a pedometer to keep track of your tracks. If you have trouble getting motivated, make changes to your lifestyle that make it necessary to walk (been thinking about getting a dog?).

Why not: If shedding pounds is your goal, you may need to step it up a bit. Add walking to your regimen.

4. Take a class. The good: Have you ever seen the abs on a belly dancer? Plenty of classes offer workouts that break the mold of your average spinning or aerobic sessions. Tap dancing. Salsa. Kickboxing. Karate. Trampolining. You get the picture. Most classes are commitment-free and a blast.

The bad: If you pay per class, costs can add up.

5. Turn on the TV. Advantages: If you are forgoing gym membership costs in exchange for a plethora of TV channels (hey, we all have our priorities), there’s a good chance your tube includes a channel dedicated to exercise. Somewhere up in the 1000s, I can access Exercise on Demand, giving me the ability to control my workout with my remote. Choices include 10 Minute Workouts (great for a pre-work workout), Yoga Body Makeover, Hollywood Body, Jillian Michaels (of TheBiggest Loser fame), Dance Party, and more. If you can get yourself up off the couch, you’re good to go.

Disadvantage: Every once in a while, we all need to get some fresh air.

Put on your iPod and run up and down some stairs. Mow the lawn. Run around the block. Do some gardening. Walk to your friend’s house. Just get moving.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katie Kerns

Katie is an editor at Everyday Health. After graduating from the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism, she moved to New York City, and now lives among thousands of other New Yorkers in their 20s...read more